The Rail Passengers Association recently presented U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) with the Golden Spike Award for his 15 years working for a safer passenger rail network, more reliable commuter rail and transit service, and better relationships between railroads and the communities they serve.
Lipinski is chairman of the House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and served for 12 years on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
He has introduced legislation designed to ensure the safe transportation of freight by rail and to support and create new rail manufacturing jobs. He also has secured investments for the CREATE program, a public-private partnership aimed at easing congestion in northeastern Illinois.
“Chairman Lipinski has earned his railroad stripes honestly — by representing passengers, railroad workers, and trackside communities for over 15 years,” Rail Passengers President and CEO Jim Mathews said. “We look forward to working with him on the current rail reauthorization and finally building a passenger rail network that all Americans can be proud of.”
Lipinski’s district has the most rail crossings of any congressional district in the country.
Lipinski will be honored during the association’s annual rail passengers advocacy day on Capitol Hill on March 31 in Washington, D.C.